Dangerous Side Effect Found in Cancer Immunotherapy Research

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But in this particular investigation, the eye also became a target. "That carries with it more profound consequences, although they could inject steroids into the eye that would kill the T-cells in the eye," Weiner said. (This would produce a local effect only and would not affect the melanoma treatment itself.)

"As we develop increasingly more effective immune therapy strategies that are capable of attacking self, be it a self-tumor or self-normal organ, there may well be potentially surprising prices to pay in terms of toxicities," Weiner said. "The authors suggest that understanding the consequences of new immunotherapies for cancer should help researchers guide future treatments and anticipate and treat side effects, thus preventing healthy cells from getting caught in the crossfire."

More information

Learn more about cancer vaccines at the National Cancer Institute.